Concrete thinking is a crucial stage in children's cognitive development, in which they begin to understand the world around them in a more logical and structured way. In this article, we will explore what concrete thinking is and how it develops in childhood, as well as its importance in the intellectual growth of the little ones.
Definition Concrete Thinking
Concrete thinking is a form of reasoning that is characterized by children's ability to understand concepts and problems in a tangible and realistic way. During this stage, which generally occurs in middle childhood (ages 7 to 11), children are able to perform mental operations with concrete objects and real situations, instead of simply imagining or speculating about them.
Compared to the preoperational thinking that predominates in the earlier stage of development according to Jean Piaget, in which children tend to be egocentric and focus on a single point of view, concrete thinking allows children to consider multiple perspectives and apply rules and principles more consistently and logically.
Characteristics of Concrete Thinking
Some of the key characteristics of concrete thinking include:
- Ability to perform mental operations with concrete objects and real situations.
- Ability to understand the conservation of quantity, weight, volume and other properties of objects.
- Greater understanding of causality and logic, which allows them to solve problems in a more structured way.
- Ability to classify objects according to their common attributes and characteristics.
- Development of the ability to series, that is That is, ordering objects or events in a logical sequence.
Development of Concrete Thinking in Childhood
The development of concrete thinking in childhood occurs gradually over time. throughout the stage of concrete operations, according to Jean Piaget's theory. During this phase, children acquire cognitive skills that allow them to approach problems in a more structured and logical way.
Phases of Cognitive Development according to Piaget
According to Piaget, the cognitive development of children Children go through different stages, each with specific characteristics and abilities. In the case of concrete thinking, Piaget identified the stage of concrete operations as the third stage of cognitive development, which follows the preoperational stage and precedes the stage of formal operations.
In the stage of concrete thinking, concrete operations, which generally occurs between 7 and 11 years of age, children begin to be able to perform logical and concrete mental operations. This includes the capacity for conservation, reversibility of operations, classification, serialization and solving problems in a more systematic way.
Factors That Influence the Development of Concrete Thinking
The development of concrete thinking in childhood can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:
- Learning experiences and opportunities: Children need concrete experiences and learning situations that allow them to apply their cognitive skills in a practical way.
- Social interaction: Interaction with other children and adults can promote the development of concrete thinking, as it gives them the opportunity to discuss ideas, solve problems and share points of view. view.
- Cognitive stimulation: Stimulating curiosity and exploration in children can promote their ability to think in a more logical and structured way.
Importance of Concrete Thinking in Child Development
Concrete thinking plays a fundamental role in the cognitive development of children, since it allows them to understand the world in a more rational and systematic way. By acquiring concrete thinking skills, children can solve problems more effectively, develop mathematical and scientific skills, and improve their ability to make informed decisions.
In addition, concrete thinking lays the foundation for acquisition of more complex thinking skills in later stages of development, such as abstract and abstract thinking. By strengthening concrete thinking skills in childhood, you are preparing children to face more advanced intellectual challenges in the future.
Practical Applications of Concrete Thinking
Thinking skills concrete are fundamental in numerous areas of daily life and academic learning. Some practical applications of concrete thinking include:
- Solving mathematical and scientific problems.
- Understanding basic physics and chemistry concepts.
- Making decisions based on logic and observation.
- Improvement of the ability to follow instructions and rules.
- Development of classification and organization skills.
Conclusions
In summary, concrete thinking is a crucial stage in children's cognitive development, in which they acquire skills to think in a more logical and structured way. Throughout childhood, children gradually develop their ability to perform mental operations with concrete objects and real situations, which allows them to solve problems more effectively and understand the world around them in a more rational way. Encouraging the development of concrete thinking in childhood is essential to prepare children to face more complex intellectual challenges in the future and promote their personal and academic growth.